Summary

Description

Aeolidia papillosa usually has grey or brown pigments causing variable colouration from cream, fawn, grey, brown, orange, pink or dark purple-brown. It is the largest Aeolid in the British Isles growing up to 12 cm in length. This sea slug has a characteristic white V-shaped mark on the front of its head. The front tentacles are cone-shaped with thick dark coloured bases and white tips. The body is covered in processes (cerata) that are elongated and flattened with white tips, arranged in 25 or more transverse rows. The middle of the back lacks cerata down the center. The eggs are spawned in a distinct thread coiled back and forth and laid in a spiral.

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

Widespread throughout the British Isles.

Global distribution

Recorded in northern Europe, Atlantic and Pacific coast of America, Atlantic coast of Spain and France but more common in colder waters. Also recorded in Vancouver and Japan to depths of 800 m.

Habitat

This sea slugs usually lives in the intertidal and sublittoral areas, but has also been recorded to depths of 800 m.

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